Sliding into Memorial Day weekend at Montage Mountain

SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Many got outside to enjoy the nice weather and prepare for the long weekend ahead of them.

One local water park even opened its doors a day early to give the community a jump start on their summer fun.

Some in northeastern Pennsylvania started their Memorial Day weekend with a splash.

Taking advantage of Montage Mountain’s decision to open their waterpark a day early.

“We were taking a look at some of the upcoming weather and we had an advantage to open up this week on Friday and take advantage of some warmer weather we have coming through our area,” said Jordan McAndrew the Guest Services Manager at Montage Mountain

With many parents off of work and kids off from school, families were excited to hit the water.

“It’s a gorgeous day, the kids don’t have school today so we’re here just taking in the nice weather. It’s not too busy today, we started our morning with some donuts and then we came right here so we’re looking forward to kicking off the summer,” says Julie Lucarine from Spring Brook Township.

Although it’s easy to come and enjoy the park, getting opening day ready was no simple task.

The staff has spent the last six weeks making sure the attraction was ready for safe, family fun.

“There’s certainly a lot that goes into waterpark operation, especially the heavy transition we have from our winter season from people skiing on the slopes to everybody coming and enjoying the waterpark season. But we have some of the best people in the industry and it’s a gigantic team effort to be ready for this upcoming weekend,” explained McAndrew.

A vital part of that team is lifeguards and Jordan McAndrew says their crew has seen no shortage of applications come through their door this season.

“We have seen a tremendous amount of interest from locals in the community that were interested in being a part of our team. We’ve been able to hire a bunch of people from this local area,” stated McAndrew.

All the hard work leading up to the park opening is what allowed these kids to start their long weekend a day early.

“Now it’s open so there’s more days to come here this weekend and more time to spend out here with my friends,” added Landoon Kuchak from Scranton.

“It’s just like really exciting that they opened earlier for us because we always enjoy coming here, even when it’s not Memorial Day weekend,” says Brooke Reese from North Pocono.

Gates will open at the waterpark at noon Saturday and it will be open through Monday.

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